Ingham: Waterways, Parks and Culture

The Middle Grand River Water Trail is 87 miles long, passes through communities in Ingham County and offers opportunities for paddling. McNamara Landing provides access to the Grand River; canoeing and kayaking are possible there, weather permitting. Restrooms, picnic tables and grills round out the amenities.

Water, Parks and Outdoor Activities

Burchfield Park spans 540 acres of scenic woodlands, trails and a beach. It is the largest park in Ingham County. Amenities include canoe and kayak rentals, as well as tours in both types of boat. Those who prefer playing on courses will find two 18-hole disc golf courses there.

Hawk Island is a 100-acre park in south Lansing with naturally landscaped areas. Along with a swimming beach, there is a splash pad; a 1.5-mile paved, accessible trail and fishing piers add to the options. In winter, the park offers snow tubing. That means visitors can enjoy water activities, exercise on a paved trail and a seasonal winter activity all in one place.

Lake Lansing is 1.2 miles long, one mile wide and up to 34 feet deep. Swimming, fishing and picnicking are possible at Lake Lansing Park South. Facilities include a bathhouse, beach, multi-use pier and beach playground, as well as picnic areas and covered picnic shelters. The snack bar is seasonal. A historic carousel building is also preserved in the park.

Lake Lansing Park North offers a different experience: More than 530 acres make up a natural recreation area with oak and maple forests, wetlands, pine plantations and transition fields. There are 10 miles of trails in total, including a 2.4-mile loop with interpretive signs. In winter, cross-country skiing is possible through the snow-covered woods.

Trails Through Forests and Habitats

At Riverbend Natural Area, old-growth forests meet fields in various stages of succession, a creek, wooded floodplains and riverside habitats. In summer, hiking and biking are permitted on the nature trails; in winter, the trails are groomed for cross-country skiing. The changing seasons also bring different ways to enjoy the trails.

The Ingham Conservation District property covers 200 acres with a variety of wildlife and habitat landscapes. Birdwatching and mountain biking are among the activities available there. The Harris Nature Center is located on the Red Cedar River in Meridian Riverfront Park. Its 6 miles of trails pass through forests, meadows and wetlands, as well as along the riverbanks. Fenner Nature Center also offers opportunities for hiking.

Museums and History

The Michigan History Museum presents Michigan’s history across five floors, from the Anishinaabe to the mid-20th century. Annual special exhibitions explore additional topics in Michigan history. The MSU Museum welcomes the public across three floors with exhibits on science and culture, as well as hands-on activities. These include life-size articulated casts of dinosaur skeletons.

The Impression 5 Science Center is housed in a historic riverside warehouse in downtown Lansing. Its interactive exhibits invite visitors to play, create, experiment and try things out. In Okemos, the Meridian Historical Village consists of eight historic buildings in Central Park. The Pink School Museum was built in 1854.

Potter Park Zoo includes a 20-acre zoo within an 80-acre park and is home to more than 350 animals. Guided tours and audio tours, which can be accessed on a smartphone, are available. The zoo is certified as a sensory-inclusive environment and offers sensory bags free of charge. The monthly, free FALCONERS Family Program is for people with special needs and their families.

Local history and tradition are also part of what Ingham has to offer. The Mason Area Historical Society hosts a public talk on Mason history at its monthly general meeting; no talks are held in December, January or February. The Ingham County Fairgrounds and Exposition Center occupies a 72-acre, park-like site. The annual Ingham County Fair celebrates Michigan’s agricultural heritage.

Historic Baldwin Park is significant as an Indigenous encampment and as an early settlement in Ingham County. Today, the park offers a canoe launch and opportunities for fishing. The range of experiences—from paddling and nature trails to museums and historic sites—gives you concrete ideas for the experiences you want to shape your trip to Ingham.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: East Lansing, Meridian Charter Township, Williamston, Lansing, Ogemaw County, Kent, Grand Traverse, St. Joseph.

Go to the main travel overview: Michigan.